Sorority and fraternity members tell how receiving a ‘little’ forms a bond that lasts a lifetime

A text message lit up her screen. She immediately gazed down to see who the message was from. She grinned from ear to ear.

She giggled.

“It’s my ‘little,’” she said.

Although it had been years since they were in college together, the girls still acted as giddy as they did now as they did whenever they were in college.

Roslynn Pogue, director of career connections, could not contain her excitement in that moment.

She had known her ‘little,’ Kathi Aderhold Reeves, since her early college years.

They have been in contact ever since Reeves became her sorority sister.

Pogue is still proud to call the relationship they have today a close one.

Pogue is an alumni member of Alpha Omicron Pi at ULM.

She still remembers whenever she found out who her “rose buddy” was.

Throughout ‘big/little’ week there are gifts, surprises and a fun reveal process that is unique to each organization.

Getting a ‘big’ and a ‘little’ is a tradition in Greek life where sorority sisters and fraternity brothers connect.

For many, it is one of the most exciting experiences they look forward to when going Greek.

Whenever the person finds out who their ‘big’ sister or ‘little’ brother is, it is hopefully a very welcomed surprise.

The process is similar today as it was years ago, explain Greeks now.

Generations of families within each organization are built.

Eventually, you can even become a ‘grand big’ or even a ‘great-grand big’ to someone.

“I have nine little brothers and I maintain contact with all of them,” said Tommy Walpole, associate director of university development and alumni of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

Walpole said that it was nice to be reunited at the Independence Bowl with his Pi Kappa Alpha brothers this past year.

Fraternities enjoy this process just as much as the sororities do because it is a great connection to meet new people and build relationships.

Some organizations like Kappa Kappa Psi (band fraternity) pick ‘bigs’ and ‘littles’ too- it’s not just the NPC and IFC groups.

“We have that one person we can connect with,” said Caleb McDaniel, a senior in music education.

The difference between these organizations and simply a social organization is that it’s easier to establish bonds when you already have common interests like band, according to McDaniel.

McDaniel also has more than one ‘little,’ and has ‘littles’ in each fraternity he is a part of.

Guys look at it as more of a fun way to get through college and someone they can ask advice from.

Even after college, the members often maintain contact with one another through social media.

Walpole said that Facebook and new social media have made contacting one another easier.

Becoming a ‘big’ to someone is a different feeling from being a ‘little.’

Members say that whenever you meet that person, you will just “know” it.

Sophomore mass communications major Emily Benton said, “When my ‘little’ got initiated into Phi Mu, I had my eye on her from day one. I knew I wanted to be able to be called her big sister.”

Benton admitted that she isn’t a very sappy person, but whenever the two were revealed to one another, it was a very emotional moment for the two of them.

Although the process has its serious moments, the Greeks love to spoil each other and have a good time.

Kappa Sigma member Brad Neville explained that it is a tradition to give gifts whenever you find out who your ‘little’ is.

Kappa Sigma ice chests, clothes, money clips and many other goodies are popular choices.

As proof the bond of a ‘big’ and ‘little’ runs deep, it is quite common for the little to serve as a bridesmaid or groomsman in his/her big’s wedding, and vice versa.

Neville’s ‘little,’ Colton Bernstein, will be a groomsman in his wedding that is set for next May.